North Carolina General Statutes 115C-407.16. Policy against bullying or harassing behavior
(a) Before December 31, 2009, each local school administrative unit shall adopt a policy prohibiting bullying or harassing behavior.
(b) The policy shall contain, at a minimum, the following components:
(1) A statement prohibiting bullying or harassing behavior.
Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 115C-407.16
- bullying or harassing behavior: is a ny pattern of gestures or written, electronic, or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, and that:
(1) Places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; or
(2) Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits. See North Carolina General Statutes 115C-407.15
- following: when used by way of reference to any section of a statute, shall be construed to mean the section next preceding or next following that in which such reference is made; unless when some other section is expressly designated in such reference. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
- Local school administrative unit: means a subdivision of the public school system which is governed by a local board of education. See North Carolina General Statutes 115C-5
(2) A definition of bullying or harassing behavior no less inclusive than that set forth in this Article.
(3) A description of the type of behavior expected for each student and school employee.
(4) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who commits an act of bullying or harassment.
(5) A procedure for reporting an act of bullying or harassment, including a provision that permits a person to report such an act anonymously. This shall not be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
(6) A procedure for prompt investigation of reports of serious violations and complaints of any act of bullying or harassment, identifying either the principal or the principal’s designee as the person responsible for the investigation.
(7) A statement that prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying or harassment, and the consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation.
(8) A statement of how the policy is to be disseminated and publicized, including notice that the policy applies to participation in school-sponsored functions.
(c) Nothing in this Article shall prohibit a local school administrative unit from adopting a policy that includes components beyond the minimum components provided in this section or that is more inclusive than the requirements of this Article.
(d) At the beginning of each school year, the principal shall provide the local school administrative unit’s policy prohibiting bullying and harassing behavior, including cyber-bullying, to staff, students, and parents as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-390.1(b)(8). Notice of the local policy shall appear in any school unit publication that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for schools within the school unit and in any student and school employee handbook.
(e) Information regarding the local policy against bullying or harassing behavior shall be incorporated into a school’s employee training program.
(f) To the extent funds are appropriated for these purposes, a local school administrative unit shall, by March 1, 2010, provide training on the local policy to school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students. (2009-212, s. 1; 2009-570, s. 39; 2014-100, s. 8.32(a).)